First Lady Mary Anderson Pawlenty served as a civil court judge from 1994 to 2007. Her work as a judge included all levels of criminal, civil, family, and juvenile cases. As First Lady of Minnesota, Judge Pawlenty frequently visits elementary schools to teach students about America’s democracy and the three branches of government, with a special emphasis on the judiciary.

Judge Pawlenty created the First Lady’s Heart Health Initiative, an awareness campaign for women about reducing the risk of heart disease, and the First Lady’s Military Family Care Initiative, a program that allows community-based organizations to volunteer their time and services to help families of deployed soldiers. For her efforts, she was awarded the distinguished Patrick Henry Award from the National Guard Association of the United States, and the Order of St. Maurice Civis Award from The National Infantry Association.

Judge Pawlenty grew up in Edina, Minnesota. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, summa cum laude, from Bethel College, and a juris doctor, cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School. She and Governor are the parents of two daughters.